what is the best month to visit iceland?
Planning a visit and want to know when's the all-time time to go to Iceland? Read this practical guide consummate with a v-step process to help you choose when to travel.
Iceland: the state of water ice and fire, Viking folklore, pristine scenery and let's non forget the Northern Lights.
Are yous planning to visit Iceland? You should be.
I've simply returned from my fourth trip to Iceland, and to exist frank, it was goose egg short of incredible. I wanted to go to Republic of iceland for-east-ver (no joke, it was on the first bucket list I fabricated when I was seven. Yes, I was a pretentious kid. And no, aught has changed since) and at present I just tin can't finish going back.
This spectacular land draws visitors to its otherworldly landscapes twelvemonth round – if you are because booking a ticket, just do information technology. You won't regret information technology
Sounds great right? But you want to know when the best time of year to travel to Iceland is. This guide has everything you demand to know to plan the perfect trip.
When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland?
The best time of twelvemonth to travel to Iceland is during the shoulder season in May and September.
Why is this the Best Fourth dimension of Year to Visit Iceland?
May and September are the all-time time of year to get to Republic of iceland because they offer lower prices and fewer crowds but without the harsh conditions conditions found in the winter.
Many people worry about whether Iceland is expensive. The answer is yeah, but travelling in the shoulder season helps to reduce the cost.
Most of the museums and attractions that close during the winter months are open during May and September, so y'all're less restricted than in the winter months when it comes to visiting these too.
The weather can nonetheless be a bit breezy and it tin can snow in the country'southward interior. Mountain access is more than limited than in the summertime months.
Still, when you lot weigh this against the lower number of visitors and cheaper prices, I remember information technology'south worth the (small) sacrifice.
The All-time Fourth dimension to visit Iceland: May vs September
If May and September are the all-time times of year to visit Republic of iceland, there are still a few distinct differences between them. Here are some of the things you should consider when y'all're choosing between them.
Desire Longer Daylight Hours For Your Iceland Trip? Visit Iceland in May.
You will hear a lot well-nigh the midnight sun during the summit summertime season, but you still get a lot of daylight hours during May and September.
In May you lot get between 16-20 hours of daylight. I'thousand figuring that even the very best of you guys need to sleep, so this is plenty of time to get out and run across the bigger attractions (such equally those in the Golden Circle, Reynisfjara or Jokulsarlon Diamond Lagoon ) early in the morning or later in the evening when there doesn't tend to exist whatsoever crowds.
May is also 1 of the best times to go for a road trip in Iceland, cheers to a combination of long daylight hours and clearer roads.
Tip: Go to attractions early in the morning or during the evening/ night during May's longer days for fewer crowds.
In September the days are shorter, with between 14-11 hours of daylight (the daylight hours decrease significantly during the month).
Desire to See the Northern Lights? Visit Iceland in September
May's long daylight hours ways that the Northern Lights are a no-no. The sky never really gets dark enough to see the aurora borealis in activity.
If you want to time your visit for the all-time time to run into the northern lights in Iceland, but want to avert the cold and sometimes tough conditions of visiting Iceland in the wintertime, go during September.
It'due south non clear why, but the lights are often strongest during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Plus yous don't take to bargain with the freezing temperatures of the winter months.
Want to maximise your chances of seeing the phenomena? Stay in one of Iceland's Northern Lights hotels.
Read more: When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?
Want to Become Whale Watching? Get in May or September
September as well happens to exist a good month to go whale watching: it's a good fourth dimension to encounter orcas.
Want to See Lots of Birdlife? Become in May
Late May is a skillful fourth dimension to run across bird life, but birds beginning to migrate to Iceland earlier in the month, and then your chances of bird-spotting are pretty high throughout the whole month.
During my visit in early May, many of the migratory birds had already started to get in in Republic of iceland. Seabirds nested in rugged cliffs made for some keen spotting opportunities.
We even had a risk to encounter Arctic Terns. Did you know they migrate from the Antarctic to the Arctic and back again every yr? Information technology'due south one of the farthest annual bird migrations at a whopping minimum distance of 12,000 miles.
Puffins are all-time seen from mid-May to mid August. You lot'll want to plump for May over September if yous want to maximise your chance of viewing them.
Want to go Equus caballus Riding? Go in May or September
Iceland is famous for its cute, stocky and rather small horses (alert: don't talk near their size to their face up, it's a touchy bailiwick. Oh and for sky's sake, don't you cartel call them ponies).
Exploring Iceland on horseback is the adventure of a lifetime – you tin can easily arrange multi-day horse treks in different parts of the country.
May and September are both good times to become every bit the weather is cool enough to make longer rides a pleasant experience.
Want to Get off the Beaten Rail? Go in September
Crowds at the big attractions may be thinner in both May and September, but some of the more difficult to attain destinations might not yet exist accessible in May afterwards the winter months.
If you are planning on travelling to remote destinations, particularly those in the hills and mountains, y'all're meliorate off planning your visit for September.
The Best Time to Travel to Republic of iceland: Past Activity and Flavor
May and September are the best times to go to Iceland overall, simply if yous want to focus on a particular flavour or activity, you should refer to these sections.
Need a few more ideas? Here are x tongue in cheek things people never tell yous nearly visiting Republic of iceland.
All-time Time to Visit Iceland in Wintertime
I'1000 not going to dress this up. Winter in Iceland can exist cold. Similar, losing extremities common cold.
But it can as well be a magical time to visit, with the low sun casting a soft light that'due south perfect for photography and plenty of darkness to up the chances of seeing the northern lights.
The best time to visit Iceland in winter is either in Nov or February. The shortest day in Dec welcomes a rather measly 4 hours of daylight.
Compare this to 8 hours at the offset of November and 10 at the end of February and you lot get my betoken.
Tip: If you lot are travelling to Iceland in wintertime, brand sure you pack lots of thermal wintertime vesture. You will need information technology.
The lack of daylight can be a blessing or a curse, depending on what you are afterwards. For aurora hunters, the long periods of night sky mean the opportunity to see the northern lights every bit early as 5pm.
For anyone looking to spend time outdoors or photo Iceland'south beautiful landscapes, it can be a existent challenge to plan effectually the brusque daylight hours.
Still, the sight of the snowy tundra, punctuated by volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs is impressive enough that you might not care.
Road closures on smaller roads can also exist a problem if y'all're planning on accessing more than remote destinations.
All-time Time to Visit Water ice Caves and Glaciers in Republic of iceland
You can access some water ice caves and glaciers all yr round, only some can only exist visited during the colder winter months.
The best time to visit ice caves in Republic of iceland is between November and March when near all of the ice caves are open.
There are a few, similar those at Lanjokull, that can exist accessed equally late every bit June, and others such as the Katia ice cave, that can exist accessed year-circular. However, to maximise your chances of taking an ice cave tour, you should visit between November and March.
Best Fourth dimension to Visit Republic of iceland for Skiing
Iceland'due south ski season runs betwixt December and Apr. You're meliorate off going in February and March every bit the daylight hours are longer and the weather condition are generally ameliorate likewise.
Best Time to Visit Republic of iceland in Summer
Summer is the peak season in Iceland, no dubiousness about information technology. Unless you are heading off-the-beaten-track, look crowds and you lot can expect loftier prices across the island.
Cheers to its proximity to the Arctic circle, June and July welcome almost 24 hours of daylight.
It'south not quite the truthful midnight sun of the Chill circle proper (just the Northern tip of Iceland really falls within the Arctic Circle) simply information technology's pretty impressive all the same.
Early July, before schools pause for summer holidays is probably the all-time fourth dimension to become to Iceland in the summer.
The temperatures are warmest during July and August, but the crowds are marginally lower outside of the holidays.
Locals joke well-nigh the country's fickle weather. Fridrik Palsson, owner of Iceland'southward prestigious Hotel Ranga nigh aptly summarised it, saying
"Ask me about the conditions in Republic of iceland and I'll say ask me in a minute".
In short, it changes all the time – this is but as truthful in the summer months every bit in the other seasons.
Tip: Iceland's weather is notoriously unpredictable. Even if you are visiting during the summer months you lot should come prepared for rainy and blustery days. Warm weather is past no means guaranteed.
Best Time to Visit the Bluish Lagoon in Iceland (and the other Hot Springs in Iceland)
Geothermal waters play a crucial function in Icelandic life – mayhap none more than so than the public pools and hot baths that class an essential function of everyday life to well-nigh Icelanders.
You can't get to Iceland and not visit a hot spring or pool.
The nigh famous of these is The Blue Lagoon, a striking blue geothermal spa nearly to Reykjavik – simply there's as well the stunning Sky Lagoon which recently opened and is completely gorgeous too.
Yous can visit the Blue Lagoon and most of Iceland'southward more attainable hot springs year-circular. That said, the best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is during May and September when the temperatures are still warm but it'due south a bit quieter.
Tip: If you are planning on visiting the Blue Lagoon in the summer months, book as far ahead every bit possible to avoid disappointment.
Looking to bathe similar the locals do? Skip the big names and visit the community swimming pools – they're more often than not outside, and come with pools of different temperatures. Perfect for a few hours of relaxation without the heaving crowds.
Best Time to Encounter the Northern Lights in Republic of iceland
Generally, the all-time time to meet the Northern Lights in Republic of iceland is between September and April. Sightings tin can begin as early as mid- to tardily-Baronial, but this varies from twelvemonth to year.
The equinoxes, in September and March, are particularly adept times to see the aurora.
They're also warmer than the wintertime months, and the longer daylight hours means you tin programme more activities and see more than of what Iceland has to offer during your stay.
Remember though, that sightings are never, ever guaranteed, so information technology's best not to programme your whole trip effectually seeing the lights.
Want to know more than? Read my comprehensive guide to the Northern Lights.
Best Time to Visit Iceland for Whale Watching
At that place are 23 different whale species in and effectually Iceland's waters.
Whale watching tours run all year round. However, the best time to visit Republic of iceland for whale watching and other body of water life will depend on which part of the state you are visiting and what you are planning to see.
May through September is the best time of year to see humpback whales in Iceland.
In the winter months, whale watching in Republic of iceland becomes challenging due to regularly inclement weather weather condition. While this is the best time of year to see a fin whale in Republic of iceland, information technology'south also the best time of yr for gale-strength winds and rough seas.
You lot may run across anything from sunshine and blue skies to driving rain, sleet and snowfall. Get prepared.
Tip: A full general dominion of thumb is that the further north you lot go, the wider the window you will have for seeing whales and other sea life.
Here are a few pointers to bear in heed when planning your visit:
- Orcas frolic off of Republic of iceland's west coast during February and March.
- June is the best time to visit Iceland to run across blue whales.
- The summer months take the highest proportion of whale sightings overall.
Best Time to Hike in Iceland
The best time to hike in Iceland is undoubtedly betwixt May and September when daylight is plentiful and in that location's less chance of rain or snow.
June, July and August are the warmest and all the trails and mountain roads are open, making information technology easier to plan your hiking trip.
Of class, Glaciers are best seen in the winter when they're covered with deep snow, but they can be chancy during this time of year due to extreme cold and slippery surfaces.
Read Side by side: The Best Hikes in Europe (Hint: Iceland's spectacular Laugavegurinn Trail is one of them).
Is there a Worst Time to Visit Republic of iceland?
The worst time to visit Iceland for the crowds is June to August. Many of the country's biggest attractions are very, very busy during this fourth dimension.
On the other hand, the worst fourth dimension to visit Iceland for outdoors activities is understandably the wintertime months, when the cold and night restrict all just the most adventurous of people.
What are the Seasons in Iceland?
Loftier Season
High flavor runs betwixt June and August. June and July see the midnight sun, but the days are still long during August. This is also the time when Iceland is at its warmest. The weather tin can still be very unpredictable though.
Best for: Outdoor activities (including hiking and kayaking), long summer days, whale watching and birdlife.
Worst for: Crowds. All of the crowds.
Shoulder Season
Shoulder Flavour is May, September and the early part of October. This is the all-time time of year to travel to Republic of iceland for an all-round experience.
You don't take the aforementioned number of tourists as the high flavor just each month has its own attractions: bird watching in May, northern-lights spotting in September as two examples.
Best for: Lower prices, fewer tourists and still generally practiced access to attractions.
Worst for: Midnight sun (manifestly!)
Low Season
Low season runs from mid-Oct to the terminate of Apr. Daylight is pretty much non-real in Dec (OK, four hours, but that's nevertheless low) and temperatures tin can collapse to -30 degrees celsius, and wind chill can make it experience even colder than that.
Best for: Ice caves, glaciers and low crowds.
Worst for: Getting off the beaten track, thanks to route closures, outdoors activities (apart from for the very experienced) and many attractions are airtight.
Conclusion: 5 Things to Consider When You're Deciding The All-time Time of Yr to Visit Iceland For You
- Are you going for an all-round experience? If yes, go in May or September.
- If you lot exercise want to do whatever activities such as whale watching, bird watching, hiking or skiing? Cheque the best months for these activities before booking.
- Practice you hate crowds? If aye, avert busier destinations during the summer months.
- Do you lot want to see the Northern Lights? If yes, become between September and April (but remember they're not guaranteed!)
- Do you want to keep costs as low as possible? If yes, visit in shoulder season or low flavour.
All-time Time to Visit Iceland: Need to Know
Where to Stay in Iceland
Hotel Ranga is South Republic of iceland's merely four-star hotel. Combining high-end facilities and gourmet dining with a typical Icelandic friendliness and comfortable rooms, it'south the perfect base for your Icelandic trip at any fourth dimension of year.
If you're visiting during the winter months, the hotel's in-business firm observatory offers some of the all-time stargazing opportunities in Iceland – they even have an in-house astronomer to help you navigate the night sky.
Add to that in-depth local knowledge and staff who will assist you programme and savor your dream trip to Iceland and at that place'southward no better place to really #knowiceland.
Cheque prices and availability for Hotel Ranga.
How to Get to Iceland
At that place are a number of budget carriers offering flights to Iceland for competitive prices.
Cheque flights on Skyscanner at present.
How Long to Stay in Iceland?
That's the million-dollar question. I would recommend iii-7 days for a shorter trip, two weeks if you're planning to exercise a longer trip like the Ring Route. Still, this two mean solar day Republic of iceland trip itinerary packs a lot in.
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